Novelist, Christopher Morley, in his essay, “On Laziness,” explains that laziness not only has a negative connotation but it could be beneficial characteristics that affect our lives positively. Morley’s purpose is to argue that currently people in our society always think that laziness has a negative meaning however he implies that laziness can be positive. The author wants his readers of the essay and hard working adults to respects the laziness. Morley supports his implication by a first mocking slothful people, then he describes the attractiveness of indolent people, finally, he discusses their success. Throughout the essay, Morley uses irony, tone, parallelism, and ethos to develop the purpose.
Morley begins his essay by mocking idle people and he acknowledges that he wouldn’t write the essay on laziness then he goes on to write the essay. Moreover, he uses irony to make fun of idle people and he begins with irony in an attempt to be humorous. Morley begins with ironic statement “to-day we rather intended to write an essay on Laziness but were too indolent to do so” (Morley, paragraph. 1). This warns the reader that he is too slothful to write an essay about being lazy. Based on his statement one would describe the tone is sarcastic because he is mocking laziness in the first paragraph. In the other hand, the author also uses ironic statements to ends his essay. Conversely, he says, “writing on this congenial topic has roused us up to quite a pitch of enthusiasm and
In a general sense, irony is a rhetorical device that is characterized by incongruity in the real situation and what is expected. The deliberate use of irony, especially in literary works and speeches, is used to emphasize a point. It is a language that in some of its forms understates facts, denies the contrary of the truth, or states the opposite of the truth. In all it’s forms, it elicits a similar effect to the audience. There
This essay presents the argument that instead of keeping a busy life, we should live a carefree and relaxed life instead. The busyness that overtakes our lives often comes subconsciously, which we submit to, without even realizing it ourselves. This supports Kreider’s claims that busyness is a “trap”. He also points out that once it has begun to overtake our lives, we begin to accept it and are led to believe that there is no way to avoid it. Once we start to believe that busyness is an unavoidable part of life, then we fall into the “busy trap.” The author also encourages the audience to avoid a busy lifestyle giving several reasons why a relaxed lifestyle is more ideal. The author also challenges the audience to avoid busyness and to strive towards a less stressful lifestyle.
Instead of being admired by society, these scholars are forced to being the outcasts of the world.’ : “Verbal Irony is when the words express something contrary to truth or someone says the opposite of what they really feel or mean.. At the end of Part Two, Captain Beatty sarcastically investigates about Montag's physical condition and implies that Montag will enjoy going on the next call, which happens to be Montag's home. This is a clear example of verbal irony because Captain Beatty is not concerned about Montag’s health, nor does he think Montag will enjoy destroying his own home. .It is also ironic that a fireman should set fire to his own house since he is the living embodiment of the law against reading books.
Christopher Morley conveyed in "On Laziness" that "We have always secretly envied our lazy friends. Now we are going to join them." He utilizes a chiasmus and an allusion to ironically demonstrate that it would be in everyone's best interest to embrace a lazy lifestyle. These devices effectively show us the flawed reasoning behind views opposing his own. This convinces readers to accept Morley's underlying suggestion that being slothful isn't actually beneficial to us.
In her essay, she utilizes irony to add a sarcastic tone in her essay, making the essay more enjoyable for readers to read. An example of this is the use of computer jargon to explain why the pencil is the better tool. Laing states how “the software of a pencil is both cheap and simple” (332) and how you can “render it
Thinking about it now makes me realize my mistakes. I neglected the fact that laziness is an addiction and in order to keep being lazy, I became dishonest so i can avoid the consequences. This reminded me of the story neapolitan
Notwithstanding the self-centered connotation of my statement, I believe I have the best hobby in the world. There is, in a matter of fact, no other activity in which I show such devotement and passion as this one. If I could get paid for accomplishing it, I would be an impressively hardworking employee. Nevertheless, I would never feel like I would work. Literally. Because that is what my avocation is defined by, not working. To my mind, procrastinating is undoubtedly the most relaxing occupation ever created, since it simply consists in turning our backs to any labor, effort or responsibilities. However, its positive effects on one’s mind aren’t the only advantages it brings to a person. Actually, I can strongly state that it drastically improves one’s academics. In Gerald Graff’s article Hidden Intellectualism, the author explains how his passion, American football, has as well developed his intellect. He indeed describes it as “full of challenging arguments, debates, problems for analysis, and intricate statistics” (398). So how can procrastination as passion improve one’s work-ethics? Some advocates of early and well organized working would argue that procrastinating only leads to educational delay and that laziness is a vice that should be banned in our society. However, these romantic critics are too dogmatic in their provincial ideology. Procrastinating is extremely beneficial to our studies in a large variety of ways. To begin, it stimulates our imagination.
Irony is when you say one thing, yet mean another. This is a very popular device that writers use when creating satire and often used when exploring more momentous topics. Popular writer Mark Twain who is well-known for his effective use of satire often uses irony in his very prevailing yet controversial novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In this historic novel Mark Twain uses irony to mock slavery and the society surrounding it. An example from the novel is when Huck throws salt over his left shoulder in the hopes to ward off back luck. This is ironic because previously to Huck throwing salt over his shoulder he was mocking Tom Sawyer for his ridiculous beliefs yet he believes throwing salt will get rid of any bad mojo. Twain's use of irony not only is criticizing Huck for that but also the whole society during this time, many individuals in this novel have controversial beliefs and somewhat go against their own. Jonathan Swift a very famous satirist and essayist exceedingly known for “Gulliver’s Travels” and “ A Modest Proposal” also uses irony along with Mark Twain. Irony permeates through Swifts legendary essay “ A Modest Proposal”. This essay has to do with overpopulation in Ireland and in Jonathan Swift words “ For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland, from being a burden on their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the publick.”. Swift mocks this idea and completely blows it out of proportion by basically saying let's fatten these children up, eat the children, or we could just put them on the market. Although Swift has amazing examples of irony throughout his
Irony is used in many different types of texts for the purpose of teaching us a lesson. We experience irony in our lives through our own encounters as well as through texts and media. There are three types of irony: situational, verbal, and dramatic. Each type has a way of teaching us an important lesson, although some are more common than others. In the Poem “The Old Man’s Lazy” by Peter Blue Cloud, irony is used throughout the text, allowing us to learn from the characters’ mistakes.
For example, when doing a long-term project for a class, a student who is productive and diligent would not put the project off until last minute. The results of such procrastination lead to a maladaptive lifestyle, in which there are negative repercussions in which personal competence diminishes due to the effect of procrastination on one’s social and personal life (Rosário et al.). What can be deduced from this is that procrastination can lead to a lifestyle where interferences outside of school can impact a student’s overall performance in school. However, through being diligent and productive with their schoolwork, students can avoid this maladaptive lifestyle through chronic procrastination and continue to be
Authors use irony in literature in order to give double meanings and make it more interesting to the reader. In the play “ The Death of a Salesman” Arthur Miller uses irony as a strong writing technique in order to express the character's behavior. In “The Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller moments of situational and dramatic irony helps to illustrate the story's theme in which Willy is a man trying yo achieve the American dream, however he have created a world of illusion.
While, “ingenious philosophers tell you, perhaps, that the great work of the steam-engine is to create leisure for mankind. Do not believe them.” Eliot uses the word “ingenious” sarcastically to communicate that these philosophers are poorly mistaken. The author instead believes that these technological advancements are destroying mankind’s time for leisure. In modern society, “even idleness is eager now- eager for amusement.” The author argues that even in times of idleness, there is no relaxation in modern society because people always strive to be entertained. Eliot exclaims, “Fine old Leisure! Do not be severe upon him, and judge him by our modern standard.” The author is of the opinion that Old Leisure is just “fine” the way he is, and should not be compared to New Leisure, whose time is filled and life is rushed.
Specific Purpose: When we procrastinate and put things off, it reflects how inefficient we are in every aspect of our lives.
“I’ll stop procrastinating…Tomorrow.” This is a mindset that is possessed by a majority of students today. Although putting off writing that English paper until the night before it is due may not seem like a big deal, it has many harmful effects. In fact, what better topic is there for that English paper? Very few are spared from the epidemic known as procrastination. Even less overcome this issue. In order to successfully defeat procrastination, we must first understand it.
The problem of laziness stems not just from a daily physical laziness but also from a spiritual lack. In medieval times little was known about the world and technology was just developed enough to allow survival. They had to work hard just to survive and the only thing that sustained them was their faith in higher powers.